Commentaries

Women's Equality Day
August 27, 2020 — Since its designation in 1973, Women’s Equality Day is celebrated across the United States every August 26, commemorating the passing of the 19th Amendment and guaranteeing women the right to vote.Initially, the Constitution did not explicitly define suffrage, or the right to vote, but allowed each state to outline voter qualification. While some... MORE

A Message from 628th ABW Leadership
May 31, 2020 — Airmen and Sailors of the 628th Air Base Wing, We are hurting as a nation, we are hurting as communities and we are hurting as individuals. We are a nation of great accomplishment, we are a nation of sorrowful moments and we are an imperfect nation always searching for a better tomorrow. We are a nation and a military of diverse experiences, beliefs and pursuits… we are Americans. ... MORE

Preventing Water Pollution
December 12, 2019 — When the subject of water pollution comes up, most people think of oil, chemicals, hazardous waste, sewage, garbage and other contaminants being discharged into waterways. In reality, pollution from stormwater runoff is one of the leading sources of water pollution in the United States... MORE

Fighting fire with fire
December 10, 2019 — Wildfires in California were big news last year. Fortunately, South Carolina was mostly spared, but it pays to remember South Carolina is no stranger to wildfires. In 2009, just north of Myrtle Beach, 20,500 acres of forest land suffered wildfire destroying 76 homes and damaging another 96.Here at Joint Base Charleston, the 628th Civil Engineering... MORE

Terrence Larimer, natural resources manager assigned to the 628th Civil Engineering Squadron, uses a hand-held torch during a prescribed fire operation at the Joint Base Charleston Naval Weapons Station, May 6, 2014.

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
May 16, 2019 — Only 20 percent of adults meet the Federal Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic and strength training exercise, which consists of two and a half hours of aerobic exercise and strength training two or more days per week. It may not be easy to make exercise a habit, but it certainly does have its rewards... MORE

One millennial's take on joining the Air Force
May 2, 2019 — Having no expectations on what to expect from Basic Military Training was my biggest fear prior to joining the Air Force. I stayed up countless nights researching anything I could pertaining to BMT before making my decision to join. After thorough research and several sleepless nights contemplating, I decided to take the plunge and revisit my recruiter. ... MORE

A Millennial's take on joining the Air Force

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone and Embrace Change
April 24, 2019 — I welcome change with a vision of understanding that change will bring a positive transformation in the way we define leadership. Socrates once said, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”... MORE

AFRC Command Chief Master Sgt Ericka Kelly

'But it’s all natural!'
April 10, 2019 — The air flows thick with pollen every Spring as nature proclaims, “I’m alive and ready for the new year.” The ensuing blanket of yellow brings groans of dismay and the noise of a power washers running as people try to wash the unsightly pollen and other detritus off houses, vehicles, driveways and white picket fences. This is a natural response to: “Hey… it’s dirty and needs washing!” “Is there a problem with washing my house? It’s all natural!” Actually, it all depends on how you wash the house. Gasoline is all natural too, but learning to handling gasoline safely is necessary because of certain dangers it presents. Similarly, washing outside structures presents certain hazards to the environment... MORE

Pollen mixed with runoff flow through drainage areas at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. 628th Civil Engineer Squadron asks that residents be conscious of where their runoff goes when they spray off houses and vehicles during pollen season.

SAPR: ‘Protecting our people protects our mission’
April 10, 2019 — The Department of Defense recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month—one of numerous awareness months, but in my opinion, one of the most important.The theme continues to be, “Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission.” As the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at Joint Base Charleston, I believe this theme truly signifies... MORE

Recognizing the significance of our ‘Air Force Family’
March 28, 2019 — How many times have you used the phrase “Air Force Family”? I’ve used it a lot, but until recently, I’ve always related it to the fact that we spend more time with the people we work with than with those we live with. However, two significant events happened this month that really made me re-think what the phrase “Air Force Family” means to me... MORE

Maj. David Rhodes, Commander, 437th Maintenance Squadron